As our community steps into a new season of growth and renewal, the Office of Community Development is reflecting with gratitude and pride on the work made possible through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), the HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME), and the Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG). These programs allow us to invest in projects that support low‑income people and neighborhoods—strengthening housing stability, expanding access to opportunity and improving quality of life.

Each project we support, whether it’s repairing affordable homes, improving essential community infrastructure or providing safety and stability for individuals experiencing financial instability, reflects a simple but powerful belief: when we uplift our neighbors who need support the most, our entire community thrives.

Spring reminds us of what’s possible when people have the resources and opportunities they need to flourish. We are honored to help cultivate those conditions every day.

Thank you for being part of this work and for your continued commitment to building a community where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.

In partnership,

Shannon Wilson

Program Manager

This quarter, we're proud to highlight the newly completed renovations at Casa Amparo, a 21-unit noncongregate shelter owned and operated by Centro Cultural. The project was supported by $2 million in HOME-ARP funds administered by our office and was completed from July to December 2025.  

Casa Amparo, which means “House of Refuge,” received several major upgrades, including a new roof and siding, reinforced upper deck walkways, and improved ADA accessibility in common areas. Renovations also updated in-unit bathrooms and kitchens to better accommodate families, and installed upgraded PTAC heating and cooling units. Additional work included electrical systems upgrades and full repaving of the parking lot to improve safety and the life the property.

With these physical improvements, Casa Amparo will continue to provide residents with comprehensive, culturally centered support services through Centro Cultural’s programs, including workforce training, youth development programs, elder services and access to the organization’s community food pantry located nearby

Casa Amparo represents an important investment in safe, high-quality shelter options for Washington County residents paired with wraparound services for individuals and families experiencing homelessness.  

We're grateful for our continued partnership with Centro Cultural as well as project partners GSI Builders INC and Scott Edwards Architecture. 

The City of Cornelius used Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding to construct pedestrian improvements on the south side of North Davis Street between North 13th Avenue and 11th Avenue. Additional ADA ramps were constructed on the northwest, southwest and southeast corners of North 11th Avenue and North Clark Street.

The projected included construction of a new 6-foot-wide pervious concrete sidewalk, ADA ramps, roadway improvements, driveway approaches and drainage modifications. These upgrades improve safety for drivers, pedestrians and people with disabilities entering and exiting the neighborhood in north-central Cornelius.

Our office recently completed the Action Plan for the 2026-2027 program year, which outlines the projects and priorities for the fiscal year for Washington County and the Cities of Beaverton and Hillsboro.

The draft plan is open for public comment from March 11 to April 9 with a public hearing scheduled for April 9. You are welcome to provide comments at this hearing or by emailing cdbg@washingtoncountyor.gov. The formal public notice for the draft plan and details for the public hearing is included below.

The Consolidated Plan is a strategic planning document developed through 18 months of planning and public participation. It establishes local strategies and priorities for allocating the federal funding over the five-year period.

The plan serves both as a planning document and an application to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for federal funds available to counties and cities under the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME), and Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) formula programs. 

Washington County, the City of Beaverton and the City of Hillsboro each receive an annual CDBG entitlement grant. In addition, Washington County annually receives HOME and ESG program funds on behalf of the entire county. Action Plans are annual components of the Consolidated Plan that specifically describe how Washington County and the Cities of Beaverton and Hillsboro will invest federal resources over a one-year period for activities serving low- and moderate-income persons, people experiencing homelessness, and people with special needs.

The Draft 2026 Action Plan is available for public review and comment from Wednesday, March 11 through Thursday April 9, 2026.

Physical copies will be available during regular business hours at:

• City of Beaverton’s Community Development Division located on the 4th floor of Beaverton City Hall at 12725 SW Millikan Way in Beaverton
• The City of Hillsboro City Manager’s Office at 150 E Main Street in Hillsboro
• Washington County Office of Community Development, located at 328 W Main Suite 100 in Hillsboro

Copies may also be requested by calling our office at 503-846-8814.

The draft plan is also available online on the County’s website:

 https://www.washingtoncountyor.gov/commdev/annual-action-plan

A public hearing on the draft plan will be held in a virtual format:

Thursday, April 9, 2026, at 7:00 p.m.

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81791388252?pwd=M2xwOHJnN2hEWXJ6NHBENVZLOTdrZz09

Please notify the Office of Community Development at least 72 hours before a meeting or hearing if special accommodations (such as equipment or interpreting services) are needed. If you have a disability or are hearing impaired and need assistance, please plan ahead by calling 503 846-8814 or TTY relay dial 711 or 1-800-735-1232.

You may comment on the 2026 Action Plan at the public hearing, or by writing to

Shannon Wilson, Program Manager

Washington County Office of Community Development

328 W. Main Street, MS7

Hillsboro, OR 97123

Phone: 503-846-8814

Fax: 503-846-2882

Or

E-mail: cdbg@washingtoncountyor.gov 

The Washington County Office of Community Development and Department of Housing Services are hosting a screening of the powerful documentary, No Place to Grow Old, which explores the rapidly growing crisis of homelessness among older adults in and around Portland.

Join us for the film and a panel discussion on Monday April, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. in the Auditorium of the Public Services Building, 155 N 1st Ave, Hillsboro, OR 97124.

Light refreshments will be served.

Our office provides loans and grants to income-eligible residents for home repairs. Applications are now open for our Deferred Interest-Bearing Loan Program and Home Access Repair for the Disabled and Elderly Program.

Home Access & Repair for the Disabled and Elderly (HARDE) grants, up to $15,000, are available for applicants whose income is 50% or less of the Portland Metropolitan Area Statistical income limits.

Deferred Interest-Bearing Loans (DIBL), up to $25,000, are loans available for applicants who own their property and occupy their homes. These low-cost loans can be a great way to complete critical home repairs.

• 3% Deferred Interest for 10 years
• No payments are required
• The loan is repaid when the home transfers ownership
• Income limits apply—households must earn 80% or less of the Portland Metropolitan Area Statistical income limits (annual gross income)

Contact the Office of Community Development at 503-846-8897 or email HousingRehab@washingtoncountyor.gov and complete a questionnaire with staff.

NOTE: The City of Beaverton and the City of Hillsboro administer their own Housing Rehabilitation Programs.